August 7 is Purple Heart Day

We received the following media release about Purple Heart Day from PurpleHeart.org. The Purple Heart is known as the medal that is “available to all, desired by none” because it is given only to those wounded or killed in action or (since 2008) who died in captivity as prisoners of war. Who could receive the medal has changed over time. The modern award originated with an idea by George Washington during the American Revolution; see George Washington and the Purple Heart. To learn more Purple Heart history, see PurpleHearts.net.

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Each year on August 7th, Americans pause to remember and honor the brave men and women who were either wounded on the battlefield or paid the ultimate sacrifice with their lives. The Purple Heart is awarded to any member of the U.S. Armed Forces that has been wounded or died as a result of a wound in battle. This now includes those persons who died in captivity while a prisoner of war (POW). We now celebrate Purple Heart Day on the anniversary of its inception, August 7th. On this day it is our patriotic duty to re member and recognize those people willing to serve our country, no matter the price.

This year, many States, Counties, and Cities; sport and entertainment entities; colleges and universities, and many other patriotic entities across the nation who have proclaimed themselves as Purple Heart communities will pause in recognition of the service and sacrifice of their local sons and daughters. Their commemoration of Purple Heart Day will be a reminder to all Americans that there is a price for the freedoms we enjoy and honor is due to those who gave their all in defense of those freedoms. This year, many Major League Baseball teams will pay special homage to their local Purple Heart recipients during special pre-game and 7th inning ceremonies.

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